Questions about DSLR - New to forum

I am contemplating buying a DSLR. I noticed that some of them have HD video recording options now. I have not been in the market for a camera in a while. But I wanted to know is how long can these record for? I mean they are not actual camcorders - so what are the limits if any on recording video with them?

Is it just the memory card? And if so can you connect an external device that gives you even longer recording time? I am just thinking - why by a camcorder when I could get a nice DSLR at the same time.

No one has any 2 cents?

I know that the Nikon D90 can record up to 5 minutes at a time only. I don't know about other cameras. Personally, I prefer having a seperate camcorder and camera, I wouldn't use my camera for video recording, even if it was able to do that.

There are a whole bunch of digital SLRs now that can capture HD video. The video quality is amazing and it's definitely nice to have a device that can do both. However, there's one major drawback at the moment. DSLRs have no continuous auto focus when they're in video mode. That means you really have to plan your shots or you'll get a lot of out of focus video. Pro videographers are all over the new cameras but they are used to planning their shots so everything stays in focus. For the rest of us it's not so easy. I'm a very experienced photographer and I almost always get a bit of blur in the video clips I shoot with my Canon 7D.

There is an alternative. The Panasonic and Olympus Micro Four Thirds cameras are sort of like compact digital SLRs. They're smaller because they don't have a mirror or optical viewfinder. For video they have a major benefit. That is, of course, continuous auto focus. For people who want the best of both worlds, I think the Panasonic Lumix GH1 is the best camera to buy. It has 1080p HD video, great still image quality and it comes with a silent focusing 10x zoom lens designed specifically to compliment that camera's video capability. Here's a link to a video and article I made about the Panasonic GH1:

Panasonic Lumix GH1 Video Intro >>

I hope that helps. Like I said, the video quality from an HD DSLR is really incredible. And being able to change lenses is great. But at this point, for the average person, it's still a little too good to be true. Hopefully they'll get the auto focus all up to snuff in the next year. Then they'll be a no-brainer purchase :)

Thanks John. My budget will be in the 500 dollar range anyway. So If I go DSLR I will have to give up some features I think. I don't think a 500 dollar dslr will take video. But maybe I'm wrong :)